The UAE pavilion at Expo 2017 Astana which is managed and supervised by the National Media Council (NMC), has witnessed widespread interest from a broad range of international VIP’s and visitors since its opening on 10 June, reaching 150,000 during its first month.

The UAE pavilion at Expo 2017 Astana, which is being held under the theme “Future Energy”, represents an ideal platform which enables visitors to gain key insights into the UAE’s strategy in regards to achieving energy security by creating a diverse balance of energy sources that include traditional sources (hydrocarbon) and renewable energy, while showcasing the UAE efforts, initiatives and projects in the energy field, both domestically and internationally.

Furthermore, the Pavilion’s content reflects the UAE leadership’s vision and its focus on human capacity as the true investment of the UAE, and as a catalyst to create comprehensive sustainable development, on all levels.

As one of the largest at Expo 2017 Astana, the UAE pavilion is equipped with a range of interactive digital features to engage visitors, such as a virtual host that guides visitors through the experience, self-guiding activities and digital summaries of the entire tour upon completion, for each visitor.

The participation of Takatof volunteers, who are operating the pavilion, has also been of interest to visitors and organizers, as it the only country pavilion that is operated by youth volunteers, and a step which is in line with the NMC’s efforts to strengthen voluntary work and societal cooperation as part of the UAE’s ‘Year of Giving’, which was launched by President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Furthermore, the participation of Emirati volunteers is particularly important in light of preparations to host Expo 2020 Dubai under the theme; “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, and it will be the first time that a world expo will be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, and is envisaged to catalyse creativity, innovation, and international cooperation. Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to enrich and enhance the experience of volunteering youth as the event is expected to draw nearly 30,000 volunteers from various nationalities and cultures.

Expo 2017 Astana will continue until 10 September 2017, and the UAE pavilion is scheduled to hold its symbolic ‘National Day’ on 6 September as part of its participation. The NMC plans on organizing a broad range of exciting events and activities that reflect the country’s love and pride in the nation’s past and present, and that reflect its values as a role model in tolerance and co-existence. This includes a number of cultural and heritage-related activities.